Medical Procedures

Joyce Hollman

Medical devices and the deaths we’ll never hear about

It’s no secret that medical device manufacturers aren’t always truthful about the safety or track record of their products. But now, we also know that thousands of deaths that could be related to these devices are being hidden thanks to a loophole in a system designed to protect them, instead of us…

Joyce Hollman

Doctors finally admit they’re rushing patients to unnecessary treatments

When you’re contemplating surgery, there are two things you’re probably thinking about: How expensive will it be? And, more importantly, how risky will it be? A third question should be: is this surgery even necessary?

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

$100 million dollar study shows there’s a better way than surgeries and stents

Every cardiologist in America (including me) had an eye on Philadelphia a couple of weeks ago, and it wasn’t for the Eagles-Patriots game. The results of a major study on the effectiveness of stents and bypass surgery were announced at the annual conference of the American Heart Association — and surgeons are stunned…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Stents don’t work

There is no question that stents can be lifesaving when they’re part of the treatment protocol for a heart attack. But most stents are not put in during heart attacks. Does this mean the effectiveness of our standard therapies just might be completely wrong? Here’s where things get fuzzy…

Craig Cooper

What are my surgical options for an enlarged prostate?

For men who have to take the next step to manage an enlarged prostate, there are more than a dozen surgical options available. Minimally invasive procedures, in which no incisions are made in the skin; and invasive procedures that involve removing part of the prostate gland. Which is right for you?

Cara McCarthy

Just say no to these worthless medical tests and treatments

It’s being called “medical overuse.” A too-forgiving term for overdiagnosis and overtreatment. It can also be defined as a healthcare practice that patients wouldn’t get if they knew what was in it for them — which for most procedures is potentially nothing.